Import risk analysis: Llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Vicugna ...

23.2.4. Risk estimation
Since entry, exposure and consequence assessments are all non-negligible, the risk is
assessed as non-negligible and C. abortus is classified as a hazard in the commodity.
Therefore, risk management measures may be justified.
23.3. RISK MANAGEMENT
23.3.1. Options
The following points were considered when drafting options for the effective management
of C. abortus in the commodity:
� Subclinically infected long term carriers occur. Therefore quarantine will not be
effective in preventing the introduction of the organism.
� There are no effective vaccines or treatments.
� The Manual does not prescribe a test for international trade, but the complement
fixation test is listed as a suitable alternative test for use when importing/exporting
animals in general. This test is considered suitable for use in camelids.
� The recommendations made in the Code are for the safe trade in sheep and goats.
Although there are no international standards that are directly applicable when
trading camelids, it is reasonable to apply the Code chapter on enzootic abortion of
ewes (EAE). The Code gives definitions for enzootic abortion-free sheep flocks but
there are no equivalent recommendations for camelids, and it is doubtful whether
Chlamydia-free flocks of camelids are available in any country. Therefore, Article
14.5.3. herds free from EAE, is unlikely to be applicable.
� The relevant Code Article relating to the importation of sheep and goats is given
below:
Article 14.5.2.
Recommendations for the importation of sheep and/or goats for breeding
Veterinary Authorities of importing countries should require the presentation of an international veterinary
certificate attesting that the animals:
1.have remained since birth, or for the previous 2 years, in establishments where no EAE has been
diagnosed during the past 2 years;
2.showed no clinical sign of EAE on the day of shipment;
3.were subjected to a diagnostic test for EAE with negative results within the 30 days prior to
shipment.
One or a combination of the following measures could be considered in order to effectively
manage the risks.
1. Animals could be imported without restriction.
N.B. This measure is based on the assumption that since no evidence was found
to confirm that camelids can be infected with C. abortus, they are not carriers of
the organism.
2. Animals for importation could have remained since birth or the previous 2 years in
a herd in which enzootic abortion has not been diagnosed for 2 years; and be tested
82 ● Import risk analysis: Llamas and alpacas from specified countries MAF Biosecurity New Zealand